State Department OKs $2.4B P-8I patrol aircraft sale to India

The State Department has approved a potential sale of six P-8I patrol aircraft to India in a deal that is estimated to cost $2.4 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the approval today. In addition to the six aircraft, the potential deal includes eight Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems, 42 AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensors, and 14 LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems, according to DSCA.

The Indian Navy bought eight P-8I aircraft in 2009 and contracted for four more in 2016, according to the announcement. The additional six aircraft "will allow the Indian Navy to expand its maritime surveillance aircraft (MSA) capability for the next 30 years. India will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces," DSCA said.

Boeing manufactures the P-8I aircraft.